FILMS AND THE STUDIOS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 520, 24 November 1928, Page 25

FILMS AND THE STUDIOS

BRITISH “TALKIES’ 1 — British producers generally should benefit by the introduction of sound and talking films. The change is of such a complete and revolutionary nature that studios the world over are reorganising and making a fresh start, and Britain will start level with America. Picturegoers in England awaited with eagerness the first American productions, and wondered what brand of English would be spoken. The first imported film was isappointing, but better things are promised. Gerald du Maurier’s - Interference ” has been produced in eight reels by Paramount, with. Clive Brook, and Brook speaks perfect English. Another Paramount talkie is ‘•The Drums of Oude,” also starring Clive Brook. Truly it is a happy year for cultured Englishmen in Hollywood. In England, British and Dominions and Gainsborough have both produced pictures with sound effects, and mechanical musical accompaniments, notably “The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel,” “The Wrecker" and “The Lady of the Lake.” Because of the Cinematograph Films Act, these will not be released until after Christmas. Also, there are the British film sound companies, British Acoustic, British Phototone, and British Talking Pictures, all actively in production. The British Acoustic process is represented by three short films, an interview with Mr. Ramsay MacDonald. “In a Monastery Garden ” and “Life on H.M.S. Rodney.” It may be prophesied with confidence that if films with sound meet with public approval British producers will not be found, as in the past, servilely follotcing America, but leading the way.